Tattva

In the last two issue of Tattva, we began a series on The Bhagavad Gita. This article is a continuation of the series.

The gist of what Krishna preached was that no matter what the result of an action is, we should do our duty without bothering about the reward. Arjuna had the right and control only over the action and not on its subsequent fruit. The right action is bound to bring about the right result, but one should not run after rewards. A person with the right mind renounces the fruits of action and reaches the highest goal called moksha, liberation, which is free from all evil. One who does not understand this loses happiness, as desires give rise to anger, and anger destroys reason—the intelligence to discriminate between right and wrong. Happiness and peace of mind come to those who do not think of themselves and thereby attain God and nirvana.

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In the last issue of Tattva, we had an introduction of the Bhagavad Gita. In this issue, we are continuing the Bhagavad Gita series with an article on conquering desire and gaining knowledge of the Self.

The Hindu theory of jnana (knowledge), bhakti (devotion) and karma (action) forms the basis of Hindu philosophy. The Gita is the guide to “the science of being and the art of living. It is a complete guide to mastering the problems of day-to-day life—for any person of any age. The teachings of the Gita inspire all to realize the reality within them. The fulfillment lies in the simultaneous development of the heart and the mind.” Read the rest of this entry »

The Bhagavad Gita starts with the words of Lord Krishna, “O Arjun you are grieving for what should not be grieved for.” This verse contains the theme of the Gita and reveals the context of the teaching—Arjuna’s state of mind, his asking for the knowledge.  This is the beginning of the Gita. The beauty of this timeless scripture is that its essential message is universal. Read the rest of this entry »

 A young college student is feverishly roaming around at Mumbai railway station. Reason? Simple enough—he has missed the train to his hometown in the state of Haryana. If he does not catch the next train which is in about half an hour, he will have to miss the marriage of one of his closest friends. What is the problem then? Why doesn’t he catch the next train? Before going any further, let us give him a name – Sidhartha. Read the rest of this entry »

Mind is very restless, forceful and strong, O Krishna, it is more difficult to control the mind than to control the wind.

 ~ Arjuna to Sri Krishna

Introduction to the Gita:

One of the greatest contributions of India to the world is Holy Gita which is considered to be one of the first revelations from God. The management lessons in this holy book were brought in to light of the world by divine Maharshi Mahesh Yogi , Sri Sri RaviShankar and Swami Bodhanandji, and the spiritual philosophy by the great Adi Sankaracharya, the greatest philosopher of India and proud son of Kerala, and Sri. Srila Prabhupada Swami and humanism by Mata Amritanandamayi Devi and Satya Sai Baba. Maharishi calls the Bhagavad-Gita the essence of Vedic Literature and a complete guide to practical life. It provides “all that is needed to raise the consciousness of man to the highest possible level.” Maharishi reveals the deep, universal truths of life that speak to the needs and aspirations of everyone. Swami Chinmayanandaji preached and educated the people and Swami Sandeep Chaitanyaji continued the mission by keeping this lantern burning always knowing the wishes of the modern generations. Arjuna got mentally depressed when he saw his relatives with whom he had to fight.( Mental health has now become a major international public health concern). To motivate him, the Bhagavad Gita is preached in the battle field of Kurukshetra by Lord Krishna to Arjuna as a counseling to do his duty while multitudes of men stood by waiting. It has got all the management tactics to achieve the mental equilibrium and to overcome any crisis situation. Read the rest of this entry »